Diamond Match Company often placed these book match vending machines in general stores and tobacco shops during the early 1900s. This dispenser gave two match books for on penny. Today - you can get them for free.

Base contains a stenciled labels with "The Diamond Match Co. Patent Applied For" on front the front, and "Made By The Edwards Manufacturing Co. Cincinnati, O" on the back.

The rear cover is removable for loading matchbooks and for collecting coins from the removable coin tray. On the Inside is stenciled operating instructions: "DIRECTIONS This machine sells either one, two, three or four books of matches for one cent. Place exact number of books you want to sell in each pocket of wheel, then turn dial on front of machine to same number (press and turn dial with finger.) Always place matches in wheel with thick end of books toward outside of wheel. Don't take wheel out, but if for any reason you should, then turn machine upside down and shake until weight drops - then put in wheel and cotter pine - after setting machine upright turn wheel so that one packet is directly over opening in base."

There appears to be another riveted metal plate missing from the top. Otherwise it is is great shape!! Stenciling is definitely original. Paint appears to be old, and may be possibly be original, but could also have been touched up.